Choking on Toxic Air: Pakistan’s Battle Against Lethal Pollution
Shaukat Korai
Karachi and Lahore, densely populated cities, have gained notoriety due to their severe air pollution crisis. Recent reports indicate that both cities are among the worst affected by air pollution, resulting in various health issues and a significant reduction in the average life expectancy of their residents by approximately 3-4 years. Former General Secretary of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Dr Qaiser Sajjad highlights the hidden dangers of air pollution, describing it as a slow poison for human beings. “Despite being invisible, polluted air poses a grave threat to our health. Inhaling contaminated air can result in respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and laryngitis, causing inflammation of the throat, vocal damage, and breathing difficulties.” Furthermore, air pollution is closely associated with serious illnesses like lung cancer and bronchial carcinoma. It also contributes to the development of other ailments, including pharyngitis, sinusitis, and bronchial asthma. The harmful impacts of air pollution extend beyond the respiratory system, affecting the skin, eyes, and in severe cases, leading to fatalities. Director of Climate Action, Muhammad Yaser emphasizes the dire consequences of polluted air quality, which significantly reduces the average lifespan of citizens. Karachi experiences a decrease of 3 years in life expectancy, while Lahore suffers a staggering decrease of 7 ½ years and Islamabad faces a decrease of 4 years. When we breathe in polluted air, tiny particles enter our bloodstream, affecting every organ in our body. Our skin, eardrums, throat, and eyes, which act as the first line of defense, also suffer from the adverse effects, resulting in the development of various diseases. Yaser further explains that transportation is the primary contributor to pollution in Karachi, with 60 percent of emissions originating from this sector.